M. Affan Badar

Bio: M. Affan Badar is an academic researcher from Indiana State University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Six Sigma & Gas compressor. The author has an hindex of 12, co-authored 34 publications receiving 406 citations. Previous affiliations of M. Affan Badar include University of Oklahoma & King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals.

Impact of ISO 9001 certification on firms financial operating performance

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of ISO 9001 certification on US firms’ financial operating performance for a period of five years including one-year prior to certification, year of certification, and three fiscal years after certification. Design/methodology/approach – The paper is based on an examination of a sample of 397 firms that had received ISO 9001 certification from 1991 to 2002. Certified-firm, non-certified-firm, and matched-control-firm operating performances were examined over the same period based on the ratio of pre-tax operating income to total assets (EBITA/TA). Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to test for significant differences in operating performance among the certified, non-certified, and matched-control firms. Findings – The paper concludes that there was significant improvement performance from prior year to year of certification. The certified firms performed better than the non-certified firms. The certified firms also performed better than the ...

Intelligent Search-Based Selection of Sample Points for Straightness and Flatness Estimation

Abstract: Form error estimation with a CMM requires prudent sampling and accurate zone fitting. This paper proposes use of optimization search methods for reducing sample size, while maintaining high accuracy. The approach is demonstrated with examples of straightness and flatness. For straightness, region-elimination search is used. For flatness, two pattern search methods: Tabu search and a hybrid search, are employed and their performance is compared. Sampling begins with a necessary number of initial points and a zone is determined. Next points are sampled based on the search methods, with suitable application of intensification/diversification strategies, looking for improvement in the zone fit. Search is conducted in both the +ve and -ve directions from the fit feature and is stopped when a solution for the maximum deviation is realized. The two solution points are added to the initial set and the corresponding tolerance is computed. The tolerance is compared with that obtained for the population of a large sample, to verify the accuracy. It is found that the number of points sampled is potentially less than that typically used to achieve the same accuracy.

Experimental verification of manufacturing error pattern and its utilization in form tolerance sampling

Abstract: This paper presents an adaptive sampling procedure, which uses manufacturing surface error patterns and optimization search methods for reducing sample size, while maintaining high accuracy. The methodology is demonstrated with straightness and flatness evaluation. Two manufacturing processes, end and face milling are used to fabricate plates used for modeling and subsequent testing. Respective surface errors for each process are quantified and validated using previously published models. The initial points for sampling are identified through such a characterization of the process and its affect on the workpiece. These sampled points are fit using the least-squares method to complete the form evaluation. Points are added to the initial set using optimization search heuristics. The final tolerance value obtained is compared with that obtained from a large population sample to check the accuracy. With such an adaptive approach, it is proposed that the number of points sampled is potentially less than that which would be expected to achieve the same level of accuracy using traditional sampling methods. This paper demonstrates the error modeling and validation aspects of this adaptive sampling procedure.

Out of the Crisis

Abstract: According to W. Edwards Deming, American companies require nothing less than a transformation of management style and of governmental relations with industry. In Out of the Crisis, originally published in 1982, Deming offers a theory of management based on his famous 14 Points for Management. Management's failure to plan for the future, he claims, brings about loss of market, which brings about loss of jobs. Management must be judged not only by the quarterly dividend, but by innovative plans to stay in business, protect investment, ensure future dividends, and provide more jobs through improved product and service. In simple, direct language, he explains the principles of management transformation and how to apply them.

Entropy generation minimization: The new thermodynamics of finite-size devices and finite-time processes

Abstract: Entropy generation minimization (finite time thermodynamics, or thermodynamic optimization) is the method that combines into simple models the most basic concepts of heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and thermodynamics. These simple models are used in the optimization of real (irreversible) devices and processes, subject to finite‐size and finite‐time constraints. The review traces the development and adoption of the method in several sectors of mainstream thermal engineering and science: cryogenics, heat transfer, education, storage systems, solar power plants, nuclear and fossil power plants, and refrigerators. Emphasis is placed on the fundamental and technological importance of the optimization method and its results, the pedagogical merits of the method, and the chronological development of the field.

A review of potential materials for thermal energy storage in building applications

Abstract: In recent years, storage of thermal energy has become a very important topic in many engineering applications and has been the subject of a great deal of research activity. This paper reviews the thermal energy storage technologies suitable for building applications with a particular interest in heat storage materials. The paper provides an insight into recent developments on materials, their classification, their limitations and possible improvements for their use in buildings. Three major thermal energy storage modes (sensible heat, latent heat, thermochemical heat) are described emphasizing the main characteristics of the most suitable heat storage materials for each.

A review of available methods for seasonal storage of solar thermal energy in residential applications

Abstract: There is generally agreement among the HVAC (Heating Ventilating and Air Conditioning) community that one of the main issues impeding solar thermal technologies from achieving their full potential for space heating and domestic hot water (DHW) production applications is the development of economically competitive and reliable means for seasonal storage of thermal energy. This is particularly true at high latitude locations, where seasonal variations of solar radiation are significant, and in cold climates, where seasonally varying space heating loads dominate residential energy consumption. This review presents the principal methods available for seasonal storage of solar thermal energy. It concentrates on residential scale systems, and particularly those currently used in practice which mostly store energy in the form of sensible heat. Some newer methods that exhibit promise, like chemical and latent storage, are also briefly discussed and pertinent reviews are referenced.